Definition

A surgical procedure to remove the pituitary gland from the body.

Example

The doctor recommended a hypophysectomy to treat the patient's hormonal imbalance.

Conversation

Did you hear about the hypophysectomy that Dr. Smith performed last week?

Yeah, I read about it! That kind of surgery is pretty rare, right?

Exactly, it's not something you see every day in the hospital.

I wonder how the patient is doing after such a major procedure.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypophysectomy is formed from "hypophysis" (from Greek "hypophysis", meaning growth under) and "-ectomy" (from Greek "ektomē", meaning excision or cutting out). The term refers to the surgical removal of the pituitary gland, which is located beneath the brain.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hypophysis' meaning something that grows underneath and '-ectomy' meaning to cut out. This helps you remember that hypophysectomy is the procedure of cutting out the pituitary gland.

Visually Confused Words